The Best Seafood Restaurants in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C., has long been one of the foremost restaurant cities in the world - with fine establishments feeding the movers and shakers that make up the city with some of the best dishes in America. The best seafood in D.C. brings the taste of the Atlantic and the Chesapeake Bay to District diners with all the flair and style the city has become known for. But where are the District's most discerning diners going out to eat when they're in the mood for seafood? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. Here, we have pored through data from thousands of in-the-know D.C. diners to pick out the greatest seafood restaurants in Washington. From local crab joints and neighborhood institutions to upscale seafood eateries in the heart of the capital, the best seafood restaurants in D.C. serve up some of the world's most distinctive cuisine. Grab a table and enjoy a meal tonight!

The OpenTable Team

11 Restaurants

Updated January 29, 2021

Restaurants:	O-Ku - DC, SER, Matisse…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Sushi, Traditional Spanish, Contemporary French…
Neighborhoods:	Washington, Arlington, Tenleytown…

O-Ku - DC

$$$$

Sushi

Washington

4.8

1299 reviews

This lively Union Market hot spot is one of the District's choice spots for prime sushi and seafood. The sleek interior is full of the city's movers and shakers enjoying the restaurant's trademark hospitality. Stop into the upstairs bar for one of the O-Ku's signature cocktails and one of their small plates like wagyu croquette or Korean-style wings. The O-Ku robata grill fires up prime Negima ribeye steak, organic chicken thigh, and other favorites. Don't miss the half lobster tail finished with foie gras truffle butter. Raw tuna, salmon, hamachi, and beef tartare are also on the menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

SER

$$$$

Traditional Spanish

Arlington

4.7

1971 reviews

The laid-back atmosphere of this Arlington tapas place makes it an ideal spot for a dinner out in the suburbs. Ser is one of the District's most colorful restaurants. Diners feast on the creative Spanish dishes while sitting in pink chairs or yellow bar stools. Seafood makes up some of Ser's best tapas dishes. Try the platters with oysters, shrimp, and octopus salad, or go for the grilled prawns from the raw bar. Pair the seafood with one of Ser's extensive selection of Spanish cheeses.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Matisse

$$$$

Contemporary French

Tenleytown

4.7

1480 reviews

Matisse is one of the most revered Washington, D.C. restaurants. This upscale, contemporary restaurant off of Wisconsin Avenue has been a destination spot for years. The French-Mediterranean cuisine at Matisse features some of the best seafood in D.C. Within Matisse's elegant interior, diners can enjoy dishes like grilled Spanish octopus and Cape Cod mussels. Salmon gravlax and cornmeal-crusted calamari are also on the menu. Matisse also features one of the best wine selections in the city.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

$$$$

Seafood

Logan Circle

4.8

1210 reviews

Pearl Dive is one of the more fun seafood restaurants in Washington. Alongside some of the best seafood in D.C., Pearl Dive features a bocce court where diners can test out their skill. It's a happening and favorite place full of young professionals enjoying excellent Pearl Dive seafood. Oysters are a distinct specialty. Try the seafood gumbo, which features oysters, shrimp, local crab, ham, and okra. The "What Cats Dream Of" dish is also a highlight. This features shrimp, redfish, squid, mussels, and saffron milk. If in the mood for a sandwich, Pearl Dive's po'boy with catfish, egg, bacon and much more is a treat.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

BlackSalt

$$$$

Seafood

Palisades Northwest

4.8

6268 reviews

BlackSalt is one of the District's most intriguing restaurants. Diners can get some of the best seafood in D.C. at the BlackSalt take-out fish market or sit-down restaurant. Sit-down diners will find a lively experience with plenty of excellent people-watching. BlackSalt's butter-poached lobster and wood-grilled Harissa baby octopus are menu highlights. There's also oysters Rockefeller, Atlantic scallops, and fried Ipswich clams. The restaurant's seafood towers are superb for group dining. These towers include premium selections of oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab, and mussels in garlic butter.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Kellari Taverna

$$$$

Greek

Downtown

4.0

2771 reviews

Greek hospitality and Mediterranean food define this superb seafood spot. Located near Farragut Square, Kellari Taverna features a unique ordering style. Servers bring diners to the Taverna's fish display, guiding customers to help them find the perfect meal. Mediterranean favorites include calamari with fresh lemon and oregano and jumbo shrimp. The "Thalassina" trio includes calamari, octopus, and shrimp. For an authentic Greek dish, try the lobster youvetsi. This meal features lobster, baked orzo, and a bisque sauce. The Kellari seafood risotto includes octopus, calamari, and Parmesan in cooked rice. This is a fine option for a taste of Greece in Washington, D.C.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC

$$$$

Steakhouse

Downtown

4.6

904 reviews

Located in the heart of the trendy McPherson section of D.C., the Rare Steakhouse is a neighborhood gem. There's a sturdy, old-school feel to the restaurant in its fare and its interior design. Alongside the Steakhouse's meat dishes, the fish selections are another highlight. The salmon Thai grenobloise features tamarind, green mango, and quail egg. A grilled branzino comes made with kumquat and honey mushroom. Try the diver scallops persillade, with green pea puree and fava bean tabouleh.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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The Palm Washington DC

$$$$

Steakhouse

Dupont Circle

4.5

4173 reviews

The Washington D.C. outpost of this nationally-renowned steakhouse chain features some of the city's top seafood. Head in to grab a table in the traditionally-styled steakhouse and enjoy one of the Palm's signature cocktails. For a seafood appetizer, try the lobster bisque with Dry Sack sherry or the sesame-crusted Ahi Tuna. Lunch specials feature jumbo lump crab cakes with Old Bay aioli or panko-crusted Ahi tuna steak. For a full dinner, go for the Atlantic salmon fillet with black lentil and heirloom tomato relish. The Chilean sea bass and broiled jumbo Nova Scotia lobster are other seafood highlights.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Prime Rib

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.7

3237 reviews

Washington's Prime Rib restaurant is a trip back in time. The restaurant features an upscale, traditional setting that recalls mid-century Manhattan. It delivers a throwback dining experience. Alongside the Prime Rib's trademark steaks and chops is some of the best seafood in D.C. Try the jumbo shrimp cocktail or sliced Norwegian smoked salmon off the cold menu. Hot selections include jumbo fried shrimp, clams casino, oysters Rockefeller, and sesame-seared tuna.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

$$$$

Seafood

Downtown

4.7

3441 reviews

This nationally-acclaimed seafood chain has one of its prime locations in the nation's capital. Located inside the historic Colorado Building, Ocean Prime features a menu of seafood classics. Head in on Sundays for the Surf and Turf special, a three-course experience with shrimp scampi, crab cake, or sea scallops. For other seafood options, go for the Ocean Prime sushi selections. The "prime roll" features tempura shrimp, cream cheese, scallion, and beef carpaccio.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Charlie Palmer Steak - DC

$$$$

Steakhouse

Capitol Hill

4.6

3283 reviews

Charlie Palmer Steak is a Washington D.C. restaurant institution. This upscale steakhouse is a gathering point for the Washington D.C. powerful, with views of the Capitol out its windows. Beyond Charlie Palmer's signature steaks, the restaurant also features some of the best seafood in D.C. Try the Prime Platter, with Maine lobster tail, poached prawns, blue crab cocktail, and more. A chilled 1.5-pound lobster features cocktail sauce and caper lemonade. Don't miss the blue crab cocktail or the local Chesapeake Bay crab cakes with Old Bay aioli and arugula.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Seafood Restaurants